From tranquil fjords to windswept islands, medieval walled towns to stylish modern cities, and ancient Viking treasure to cutting-edge contemporary design, discover a fascinating and vibrant blend of scenery, cultures and cuisines where East meets West.
From the medieval old towns of the Baltic States to Scandinavia’s cosmopolitan cities, a cruise around the Baltic Sea is a chance to experience fascinating history, stunning scenery and some of Northern Europe’s finest contemporary cuisine.
This Russian city is the ‘Venice of the North’. This captivating city has some major must-see sights that will leave you reeling with their beauty: the Hermitage, St Isaac’s Cathedral, the Church of the Saviour on Spilled Blood and the Peter and Paul Fortress are among the most popular attractions.
This Russian city is the ‘Venice of the North’. This captivating city has some major must-see sights that will leave you reeling with their beauty: the Hermitage, St Isaac’s Cathedral, the Church of the Saviour on Spilled Blood and the Peter and Paul Fortress are among the most popular attractions.
Nestled between rolling green hills and tranquil fjords, the Norwegian capital of Oslo is a compact city that’s perfect for exploring on foot or on two wheels (try the Oslo on Footor or Oslo by Bike shore excursions. Named European Green Capital for 2019, it’s renowned for its green spaces.
Stockholm is considered one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, thanks in no small part to its spectacular setting – Sweden’s capital city is built on an archipelago of 14 islands in the Baltic Sea and connected by bridges and ferries.
First inhabited by the Vikings over a thousand years ago, today its growing population makes it Aarhus, Denmark's second largest city. Take a stroll through the old narrow lanes to discover traditional half-timbered houses, many of which have been converted into art shops, pottery workshops, galleries and cafe's.
The Polish city of Gdynia is only 80 years old but some of its churches and palaces date back as far as the 13th Century. The pedestrianised Old Town centre is a wonderful place to wander, shop or enjoy a coffee before exploring its many historic sights.
Lithuania’s only port for cruise ships, Klaipeda – a former Prussian capital noted for its abundance of German and Scandinavian architecture, particularly in the heavily cobbled Old Town. The lovingly restored old town bring a unique atmosphere and allure.
Kristiansand is the sunniest of Norways southerly city and cruise ports. Cruises to Kristiansand bring visitors into a renaissance city founded in 1641, with the history laid out in one of Norways largest open-air museums - Vest Agder.
It’s easy to see why artists have long been drawn to the sublime light of Skagen – Denmark’s most northerly town enjoys more daylight hours than any other. Painters flocked here in the 19th century, and today summer tourists do the same, to enjoy its beautiful white sand beaches, bustling harbours and pretty neighbourhoods of distinctive red-roofed yellow houses.
Another UNESCO World Heritage Centre and major Hanseatic centre, Tallinn’s Old Town is a fairy-tale mix of Gothic spires, cobbled alleyways and pastel-painted merchants’ houses. Over the centuries Estonia has been a battleground for Danish, Swedish, Polish, German and Russian forces all jostling for supremacy, but today Tallinn is a peaceful yet vibrant modern capital.
Scandinavia is the home of great design, and nowhere is that more evident than in the stylish Finnish capital. There are countless architectural gems to discover in Helsinki, from the historic – the 18th-century Suomenlinna Sea Fortress, the gold-domed Uspenski Cathedral and the neoclassical Senate Square – to the contemporary, including Alvar Aalto’s modernist Finlandia Hall.
Rotterdam is different to other Dutch destinations. With its modern skyline, industrial port and hardworking heritage, the Netherlands’ second city has always been outshone by its pretty sibling Amsterdam, the quaint capital. But times are changing. In true Rotterdam style, her proud citizens are seizing their moment to turn their forward-thinking, dynamic city into a hotspot of cool.
Holding the distinction of being the sunniest destination in Denmark, Bornholm – a 587 square kilometre island in the Baltic Sea – has long been a popular holiday destination for Danes looking for a laid-back seaside escape.
Fika is the Swedish practice of taking time out of your day to relax and chat with friends and enjoy a coffee, preferably with a sticky cinnamon bun in hand. Gothenburg is a Swedish favourite, with its bohemian neighbourhoods like Haga and the area around Tredje Långgatan full of cosy cafés piled high with delectable pastries.
Visby is located on the island of Gotland in the Baltic Sea. The UNESCO World Heritage town offers a wealth of picturesque attractions, from haunting medieval ruins to limestone ramparts and charming lanes of painted houses draped in roses.
Fredericia offers a wealth of outdoor pursuits plus historic and cultural experiences. From here, guests can travel to Odense to visit the birthplace of Hans Christian Andersen, or to Billund and the original Legoland resort.
Warnemunde is a pedestrianised old town is full of narrow atmospheric streets, cutting between impressive centuries-old buildings. City Hall, in the New Market Place, is particularly impressive, but the 15th century St. Marien Church, with its astronomical clock, is Rostocks true focal point.
Beautiful Bruges (tours from Zeebrugge) is a picture-perfect destination at any time of year. The charming city offers an exciting cultural escape, just a short jaunt from home. Wander the atmospheric cobbled streets of the city centre (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), explore by bike or take a canal trip to marvel at the architecture.
Take a look at some examples of our curated shore experiences, offering you the chance to try something new, connect with local culture and discover a different side to the Baltic.
